Best of the Beacon for week of July 23
We at the Beacon hope that you take a look at us every day, but we also know that that's not always possible. So, once a week, on Friday, we'll be highlighting some of the top stories of the week. Here are Beacon must-reads from the week of July 23.
Countdown to August primary
Prayer amendment: Protection, political ploy or creator of havoc?
Constitutional Amendment 2, the so-called prayer amendment, provides clarity for officials when people pray in public spaces, say supporters. The First Amendment and the Missouri Constitution already protect religious liberty, counter opponents.
Democrats battle in key contests for seats in the GOP-controlled Missouri Senate
The newly redrawn 1st state Senate District in south county features one of a region's handful of competitive primaries this August. Democrats also are battling in the 5th state Senate District, in the city, and in the 13th District, in north county.
It's incumbent vs. incumbent in four Missouri House races
Because of redistricting, eight Democrats currently in the Missouri House are squaring off against each other for four state House seats. After Aug. 7, only four will be returning to a legislature likely to be dominated by the Republican Party.
August primary may be decisive contest for some House rep races
For many candidates, the August primary is just a winnowing process setting up the November election. But for several state legislative contests, the primary may be decisive because these state House districts are overwhelming Democratic.
Campaign Trail: Electoral pressures could prompt override veto of contraception bill
On Sept. 12, lawmakers will convene for their veto session where they will try to overturn Gov. Jay Nixon's veto of a bill allowing employers to exclude abortion, contraception or sterilization from insurance coverage -- and they could succeed.
Weapons of destruction
Despite Aurora massacre, most in Congress see political hazard in tighter gun laws
Despite the Colorado massacre by a man who legally obtained an assault rifle and 100-round ammunition magazine, prospects seem dim for any gun-control action in Congress. And neither President Barack Obama nor Mitt Romney are pushing for changes in federal gun laws.
Reflections of a gun guy in the wake of a massacre
Beacon columnist M.W. Guzy reflects on problems related to the coverage of the Aurora massacre: On one hand, an early reporting error describing a weapon illustrates an obstacle to reasonable discourse about our national gun problem — namely, that many well-intentioned people often don’t understand what they’re talking about. On another, resistance to any control also ends conversations.
Listening in
Mental-health workers answer call to provide free services to vets, families
A local therapist who volunteers with Give An Hour says the nonprofit organization is a way for civilian providers to support the U.S. military by offering free confidential services.
Street smarts
Second Set: Blake Brokaw statue missing from Washington Ave.
After a quick turn with the fun lunch spot Acme in 1995, Brokaw found a shotgun space near the corner of 14th and Washington in 1996, and began Tangerine. Before the big-ticket improvements, Tangerine offered the block a destination, a lights-on-nightly landmark.
Eyes have it
Darkly beautiful: Portfolio Gallery explores skin-tone discrimination
Portfolio Gallery’s “Dark Beauties” exhibit, a collection of paintings, photos and fabric pieces celebrating dark-skinned African-American women and acknowledging discrimination against them, has been extended through Aug. 31.
Take Five: New Washington University curator focuses on public art
Watch for more public art on the WU campus and more local conversation about public art, following the hiring of Leslie Markle, a curator for public art in the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts.
